Pacific Giant Salamander Image Source: Gary Nafis1
The Pacific Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) is the largest terrestrial salamander in North America, growing up to 13 inches in total length 2. Pacific Giant Salamanders (subsequently reffered to as just “salamanders”) are born with gills. Some individuals retain these gills throughout their life for a more aquatic lifestyle or metamorphosize lungs, allowing for a more terrestrial lifestyle3. Salamanders are reported to bite when handled and even “growl” or “bark” when they feel threatened4. Pacific Giant Salamanders populations range from northern California to the Canadian border, but are absent from the Olympic Peninsula. Salamander habitats consist of wetlands such as permanent rivers, streams, creeks and pools in forests5. Salamander populations may be affected by increased pressures associated with logging, including habitat destruction and increased silt in water from upstream disturbances. This report analyzes differences in salamander populations observed in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest near Blue River, Oregon.